Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Launches MMX Probe into Space

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has opened a new chapter in space exploration.

The agency successfully launched the MMX (Martian Moons eXploration) space probe, which will study Phobos, the largest moon of Mars.

The main goal of the mission is to become the first in the world to land on the surface of Phobos, collect soil samples, and return them to Earth.

The spacecraft was launched from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center aboard the new H-3 heavy-lift rocket.

The probe successfully separated from the rocket at the scheduled time and has already entered its planned orbital trajectory.

Scientists hope that the soil samples brought back from Phobos will help reveal the formation history and mysteries not only of the moon itself, but also of Mars.

According to Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Yoshihira Seki, the historic mission will not be limited to theoretical research, but will also provide a major boost to the development of technologies needed for future crewed expeditions to Mars.